Speaker Biswajit Daimary inaugurates North East Festival in Guwahati

GUWAHATI: The week-long North East Festival was inaugurated on Thursday at the Veterinary College Ground in Khanapara by Assam Legislative Assembly (ALA) Speaker Biswajit Daimary in the presence of representatives of almost all the States of the North-East.

The Festival is being organized by the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the North Eastern Council, covering the entire North-East as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It will continue till May 4.

The Sports and Youth Welfare Department of the Government of Assam is acting as the nodal department and has organized the inaugural event in collaboration with the Departments of Cultural Affairs and Transport, Assam.

A half marathon, cyclothon and walkathon were organized to mark the inauguration of the festival. The three events were flagged off by Daimary, retired Air Marshal and North Eastern Council member Anjan Kumar Gogoi and Additional Chief Secretary to Government of Assam Pawan Borthakur.

About 100 delegates from other Northeastern States and more than 2,000 sportspersons and sports lovers from Assam participated in these events.

Extending his warm greetings to all the participants as the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony, Daimary said that Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a significant initiative of the Government of India to make the people understand how far India has come after 75 years of independence and what still remains to be done. Stating that many players from the North-East, including Mary Kom and Lovlina Borgohain, have represented the country in the international sports events, he also added that involvement in sports helps in maintaining good health as well. He expressed the hope that the North East Festival will encourage the people, especially the new generation, in this regard.

At a time, when the country has completed 75 years of independence, the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken all measures to ensure drinking water, food and homes for all so that everyone can live with dignity, he said. Further, he said, the Assam Government has also implemented schemes like Orunodoi for the same purpose. He also expressed the hope that everyone will continue to make efforts for upholding the dignity of the country as independent citizens of independent India. He thanked the organizers for holding the inaugural event of the festival in Assam.

Earlier, Anjan Kumar Gogoi expressed happiness over the sporting spirit shown by the new generation to participate in the festival and welcomed and greeted everyone on behalf of the North Eastern Council and the Ministry of DoNER. He wished a grand success of the festival.

Colourful folk dances of various tribes of Assam like Bodo, Mising, Karbi, Tiwa, Rabha, Hajong, tea tribes, mesmerized all who attended the event. The programmes of the Transport Department, which showcased road safety measures through Bihu Husori, street plays and mime to sensitize people, were another attraction of today's cultural events. Various placards were also displayed with the messages of road safety and environment protection.

Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam, Archana Verma, Joint Secretary Dr Chadnek Singh, Transport Commissioner Adil Khan, Planning Advisor to the North Eastern Council, Calvin Harrish Kharshiing, were also present on the occasion as distinguished guests.

It may be mentioned that various sports events of the festival will be held in Manipur and the valedictory function will be held in Guwahati on May 4.

Also Read:  Assam Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary refers matter to Privilege Committee

Also Watch: